Un-Sharpenable Machete's

[Diligence]

IntrepidStu,

No, actually I was not being sarcastic. And it's unfortunate that you interpret my posts in that way. Perhaps it has something to do with the language or grammar that I use.

However, your last post and the antagonistic portions of that post has made me realize that I need to step out of this thread.

Have a good day all.

D
PS...I really did want to know how that edge would hold up. I guess I'll never know.

 

[crazydave]

I didn't read it that way either so calm down please stu, dilligence probably doesnt use a machete much as they arent the norm in northern climates instead of the usual why do you want a big blade look at my axe response. I dont like axes but thats me, others see my big blades in the same way I look at their axe collections as being lumps of metal with an edge. I never carried an axe day to day so made do with folders, large sheath and machetes or kukris and allways made do. mind you I can see the need for an axe if I was working with deadwood all the time or knotty pine but I dont generally go into the woods to chop them up.

as long as the steel is good and you dont soften it when sharpening then it shouldnt matter how it comes from the shop as long as it finishes how you like it. often its not easy to sharpen at the factory if its coming off an old machine so chances are its better that it is relatively unfinished as you can tailor it to suit. the only large blades I've had from factory I've been happy with are finished with a coating so they sharpen them properly.

and yes let us know how you get on.

 

[Fraxinus]

I suspect Stu is pretty hacked off at having to do a lot of work to get the tool in service.I know how he feels as in my trade we constantly have to fettle expensive tools so that they actually perform as advertised or expected. Only two things I purchased recently have not needed any extra work, a Leatherman Surge and a CRKT hunting knife.
Can't add more advice to the sharpening as it's already been posted. Let us know how it turns out Stu.

 

[C_Claycomb]

I didn't read Diligence's post that way either Stu.

I have trouble thinking of any production knife that I have bought where the blade didn't need work, even my Gransfors needed attention because the factory edge rolled too easily.

The parang that I had made is hard enough that it takes a very fine edge, as good as my SFA, but a lot of care is needed when working near the ground, however, for cutting saplings up to a couple of inches it is a joy and I think the edge is worth the effort. My Martindale Jungle Knife, however, is just a little too soft to take that sort of edge without rolling. It works better with a mill file and a steel to knock off the burr. I still like it to be sharp though. Frequent touch ups mean that it bites with less effort and leaves a cleaner cut.